Psalm 119

As in the Hebrew, my translation of Psalm 119 has 8 lines for each letter of the alphabet. Since the English alphabet has four more letters than the Hebrew, some lines of the original have been divided. Also, the order of some lines has been changed but with an effort to maintain the coherence and thematic flow of the stanzas. In most stanzas of the Hebrew, certain words are used more than once to begin a line; the translation reflects this practice. The translation also reflects the Hebrew’s occasional use of unusual word order to keep the alphabetic arrangement. Here are the first two stanzas..

A wonderful life is for those who walk in keeping with Yahweh’s Torah. A wonderful life is for those who comply with his terms.Avoiding what is wrong, they walk in the way he has shown.All their being is given to seeking him as they follow the ideal way.A firm adherence to the way of your laws is what I want, Yahweh, so that Ashamed I will not be when I consider all your commands.As I learn of your just decrees, I will sincerely thank youAnd keep your laws. Do not completely abandon me.

By doing as you have said, the young will keep their conduct pure.Be my teacher, Yahweh. You who are praised, teach me your laws.Being wholly given to you, I plea: don’t let me stray from your commands.Because I don’t want to sin against you, I am ever mindful of what you say.Because of your laws, I am delighted. I will not forget your word.Better than all material goods are your terms; I am pleased by them.Better than the purest gold are your commandments.Better for me than loads of silver and gold are your Torah instructions.